Realize your scientific interests and professional goals through close interaction with your faculty advisors. Read how one student's connections have him strengthening his web programming skills.

Investigating heat and moisture transfer

Name: Jared Moore

Year: Second-year graduate student

Graduate program: Computer Science

Hometown: Beal City, Mich.

To investigate heat and moisture transfer from the human torso through next-to-skin apparel, CMU has used a $350,000 National Science Foundation grant to acquire a 46-zone Newton-brand sweating thermal manikin. Jared Moore credits his work on the manikin project with strengthening his web programming skills.

Motivated by faculty: "I did not plan on getting involved in research when I enrolled in the program, but Dr. Patrick Kinnicutt (computer science and geology professor) contacted me about the position, and I am very thankful that he did and that I chose to get involved with the program."

Gaining new skills: "The biggest benefit is that I have been able to gain firsthand experience in developing web applications."

Looking ahead: "I have applied to a few Ph.D. programs in the computer science field and also would consider taking a job in the IT field. In either choice, there are applications of what I've done here at CMU, such as the project management skills as well as the experience of participating in research projects, that will be helpful in my future career aspirations."